The current local signs policy is part of the Melbourne Planning Scheme. To view the current policy, open the Melbourne Planning Scheme online, and scroll down to the Signs section.

Find out more about the Melbourne Planning Scheme.

Signs that require a planning permit include advertising and promotional signs, business signs, billboards and illuminated signs.

These types of signs are generally displayed by private entities (e.g. businesses and organisations) on private land.

Additionally, any fixed sign that includes business identification or promotional content, regardless of location (i.e. private or public land), will generally require a planning permit. This includes business identification and promotional signs on top of buildings, ground level signs on the outside of buildings and advertising billboards.

A sign must also be visible from the public realm in order for a planning permit to be required. So a sign displayed inside a retail store above the register is unlikely to need a permit, but signs displayed in a shopfront window or on the outside of the store would.

Generally, if there isn’t a specific exemption for the need for a certain type of sign, then it probably needs a permit.

The State planning provision which covers signs (Clause 52.05), provides exemptions for certain types of signs. These signs do not require planning permission to be constructed and displayed, so the policy does not apply to them.

Signs that are exempt include (but are not limited to):

• A sign identifying the functions or property of a government department, public authority or municipal council (including for example, signs displayed by Council on Council property that provide information about that property, such as signs at Council managed dog parks).
• A sign controlling traffic on a public road, railway, tramway, water or in the air (e.g. common traffic signs).
• A sign in a road reserve that gives direction or guidance about a tourist attraction, service or facility of interest to road users.
• A sign required by statute or regulation, provided it is strictly in accordance with the requirement (e.g. signs that must be displayed as part of a liquor licence).
• Information signs at railway stations or bus terminals.
• A sign with an display area not exceeding 10 square metres publicising the sale or letting of the property on which it is displayed (i.e. real estate signs).
• A sign inside a building that cannot generally be seen outside (e.g. signs above a cashier).
• A sign that is not fixed (e.g. a moveable A Frame sign that a business places outside their window during trading hours).

Clause 52.02 of the Melbourne Planning Scheme provides a complete list of the signs that do not require a planning permit. View Clause 52.02 online.

Planning schemes regulate the use and development of land in Victoria. Each council has its own planning scheme. Requirements for permits vary for each council – even minor changes may need a planning permit.

To understand when a planning permit is required for a specific type of sign, you will need to refer to the planning provisions which apply to a particular site and check the requirements for a sign. This includes requirements in the zone, any overlays and particular provisions which may affect the site.

Further information on the planning provisions which affect a site can be found online at VicPlan.

Council is responsible for approving signs visible to the public that require a planning permit. During the planning permit approval process, Council assesses factors such as the location, size and material of the sign in relation to the local sign policy.

Advertising content in Australia is regulated through a system of self-regulation. The Australian Association of National Advertisers writes the rules that advertisers must follow. To maintain the integrity of the system, Ad Standards was established to handle complaints. Find out more about Ad Standards.